A Beacon of Christmas Devotions

A young girl name Lydia, her heart overflowing with sincere devotions to Christmas, lives in a small town nestled between neighborhoods that radiate with a comforting glow and trails that meander through the cold winter lanscape. Her devotion to Christmas was not merely a result of the presents, cookies, or decorations, but a sacred time for her to honor the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World.

Lydia's Christmas Mission: Spreading Love and Understanding

Lydia's family had a tradition of reading the Christmas story from the Bible every Christmas Eve. As she got older, Lydia's comprehension of Jesus' deep love for humanity deepened—a love so immense that God sent His only Son to the world as a baby to grow up and sacrifice His life on the cross for all of us.

As the Christmas holiday drew near, Lydia’s school began to transform with Christmas trees in many areas of the building. The classrooms were decorated with ornaments, snowflakes, and Christmas lights. One day, Lydia noticed that her friend Jackie was sad. She often didn’t share much about what she wanted for Christmas or the cookies she was looking forward to eating and didn't join the holiday celebrations. Lydia, her heart filled with deep love and empathy, decided to ask Jackie why she was sad when Christmas Day, a joyous day, was approaching. Jackie shared that her family didn't celebrate Christmas and that it was difficult for her to understand Christmas and what it was all about. She felt left out, unable to grasp why it was a significant occasion for everyone else.

Lydia saw this as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus. She confided in her parents about Jackie's situation, and they suggested inviting Jackie and her family over for Christmas dinner. Despite some initial hesitation, Lydia eagerly extended the invitation, and Jackie's parents decided to accept, fascinated to understand what Christmas meant to Lydia's family.

On the evening of the dinner, Lydia's family welcomed Jackie, her mom, and her dad into their home. The house was filled with the aroma of festive food and freshly baked cookies and decorated with candles and Christmas wreaths, creating an atmosphere of warmth, peace, and joy. Over a delicious meal, Lydia's parents shared the story of Jesus' birth, explaining how it was a gift of love from God to the world. They spoke about the shepherds, the angel’s message, the wise men, and how Jesus came to bring hope and Light into everyone's lives.

Unwrapping the True Gift of Christmas

Jackie's parents listened with interest, interested in the Christmas message of love and hope. They had always seen Christmas as a commercial holiday, but now they needed to understand its meaning. Lydia's family explained that Christmas wasn't about presents, football games, decorations, Christmas lights, or parties. Still, it was about celebrating God's love for us through the birth of His Son, Jesus.

As the evening went on, Jackie and her parents felt more and more at home, touched by Lydia's family's warmth and kindness. Lydia gave Jackie a small gift—a handmade card with a Bible verse about Jesus being the Light of the world. Jackie was touched deeply by her gesture and felt a sense of belonging and understanding for the first time.

A Light Ignited: Discovering the True Meaning of Christmas

On Christmas Eve, Jackie and her family joined Lydia's family for their tradition of reading the Christmas story. A light ignited within Maddie and her parents as they read the familiar passages—a new sense of joy and hope they had never experienced. They began to understand that Jesus' birth was a sign of God's immense love and a promise of salvation for all who believed. This transformative experience was a testament to the power of sharing the true meaning of Christmas.

The Power of Simple Acts of Love

That Christmas, Lydia learned that sharing God's love and the message of Jesus doesn't require grand gestures. Sometimes, the simple act of inviting someone into your home and sharing the true meaning of Christmas can change hearts. Lydia continues spreading the Light of Jesus to others, demonstrating God's love throughout their community. This simple act of sharing became a beacon of hope and love in their lives. 

Hi there, everyone!

I hope you enjoyed Lydia’s story. It’s a powerful reminder that sharing the true meaning of Christmas can make a big difference in someone’s life. Lydia’s kindness in sharing the story of Jesus brought hope and joy to Jackie and her family, showing that Christmas is about God’s love, giving and sharing, and shining the light of Jesus.

I am so proud of each of you for your kindness and the ways you shine brightly. Just like Lydia, you have the power to spread God’s love in simple yet meaningful ways. There’s no need for grand gestures—your small acts of love and kindness can light up someone’s life.

Use your Shine Bright Study Planner to reflect on how you can continue to share the true meaning of Christmas all year round. You are a blessing, and I can’t wait to see how you will inspire others.

At the end of this note, I’ve listed some ways you can share God's love with others. Remember, only our Heavenly Father can draw people to His Son, Jesus Christ, and change their hearts and lives. Not everyone you share the true meaning of Christmas with will be willing to listen or accept your explanation, just as Maddie’s family at first hesitated. But don’t let that discourage you.  Continue to be patient and loving, focus on being a genuine friend, and nurture your friendship. God asks us to let His light shine as a beacon of hope and joy in our lives, and your kindness and genuine love will make a difference over time.

Keep shining brightly, girls. You are a blessing to us, and I am incredibly proud of who you are and all you do. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas, and may the light of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, fill your hearts with joy and peace this Christmas season.

 

Six Ways to Share the Gospel and God's Love

  • Share Your Faith

    Talk about how your faith in Jesus has impacted your life. Share your experiences where God's love has made a difference foryou, how God has been good to you, and the day and circumstance surrounding how you gave your heart and life to Jesus. Sharing your testimonies is powerful and relatable, showing how faith and trust in God's love, Word, and care can bring hope and meaning to everyday life.

  • Listen with an Open Heart

    Be a good listener and empathize with your friends, just like Lydia did for Jackie. Take the time to listen attentively and offer your friends the space to share their thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, being there to listen and support without saying much can mean a lot to someone who needs to talk.

  • Pray for Your Friends

    Pray for your friends, asking God to be with them and to touch their hearts. Remember to let your friends know you are praying for them, especially if you notice they struggle with a subject in school or face conflicts with peers. Additionally, when they
    confide in you about challenges at home weighing on them, reassure them you arepraying for them and will always be there for them during difficult times.

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  • Invite Your Friends to Christian Gatherings

    Invite your friends to church events, youth group activities, or holiday celebrations such as Christmas. By participating in these events in a warm, loving, safe, and non-judgmental atmosphere, your friends can see firsthand the love, community, and joy of a Christian
    life.

  • Live by Example

    Let your actions reflect God's love. Be kind, generous,
    compassionate, and forgiving in your daily interactions. Actions often speak louder than words, and living out your Christian faith can inspire interest and respect from friends.

  • Use Simple Words

    Use simple, straightforward language when discussing your faith to help them understand its meaning. Explain concepts like God's love, forgiveness, and salvation in a way that's easy to understand so listeners are not overwhelmed or confused by what you are saying.

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